Leanne Pooley’s “25 April” is set to tackle the World
War I story of New Zealand’s involvement in a brutal campaign that sought to
knock Turkey — a German ally — out of the War, and a new trailer prepares audiences for its premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film
Festival.

The official synopsis reads: “’25 April’ is an
innovative feature documentary created to bring the story of the New Zealand
experience at Gallipoli (Turkey) to life for a modern audience through a
re-imagined world. Using graphic novel-like animation, ’25 April’ brings First
World War experiences out of the usual black-and-white archive pictures and
into vibrant, dynamic color. Weaving together animated “interviews” based on
the diaries, letters and memoirs of six people who were actually there, the
film tells the compelling and heart-wrenching tale of war, friendship, loss and
redemption using the words of those who experienced it.”

For New Zealand, the campaign bears great significance, so much so that April 25 is a public holiday of remembrance. The year 2015-16 was designated by the New Zealand Government as a year of wide-ranging centenary commemorations, of which the film honors.

“25 April” will premiere at the 2015 Toronto
International Film Festival. Take a look at the trailer above.